Man convicted of fatal fight outside suburban bar

A 40-year-old Chicago man was convicted today of stabbing a man to death during a fight outside a Norridge bar last year.

Michael Delich of the 3700 block of North Pittsburgh Avenue was found guilty of second-degree murder after a two-day bench trial before Judge John Scotillo in Rolling Meadows.

Delich stabbed Dariusz Lewandowski, 30, of Chicago after a shouting match outside a bar in the 7600 block of West Irving Park Road on June 7, 2008, prosecutors said. Lewandowski initiated the confrontation and walked away, but returned to the parking lot when Delich shouted an insult, authorities said.

Witnesses testified Delich had a knife in his hand when Lewandowski swung a fist at him. Delich then stabbed Lewandowski once in the chest and fled in a car with several friends, prosecutors said. Lewandowski collapsed at the scene. Delich was arrested a short time later in Chicago.

Scotillo said Delich was not guilty of first-degree murder because Lewandowski appeared to be the aggressor. He set sentencing for Sept. 23. With several prior felony convictions, Delich could receive up to 30 years in prison.